Learning Activities and Environments
As people grow, their preference in the learning environment changes
Adult learning environments tend to take place in a formal setting. For example, some adults may seek formal programs seeking professional development while others may enroll in vocational programs seeking health and financial literacy. Adult learning also takes place in informal learning environments like learning a new job by performing the required tasks without formal training or learning to plan for retirement.
Adults choose how they want to learn
People generally choose what they want to learn and choose the learning environment based on their knowledge and skills which makes learning more interesting and easier.
Autonomous Learning In Formal and Informal Settings
Autonomous learning in an informal setting
Keeping updated in society or taking tours of historical areas
Autonomous learning in a formal setting
Taking online courses outside the workplace
Mandated learning in an informal setting
Receiving required skill training at work or reviewing company policies related to job-specific topic
Mandated learning in a formal setting
First aid training for school employees or partaking training in a human resources policies at work
The Impact of Technology
Separation from formal training will most likely take place in the future due to accessibility to educational technology and online courses. In 2005, 39 percent of adults ages 49 - 65 had participated in formal coursework.